About the song
Good Hearted Woman: A Timeless Country Classic
The Highwaymen, a supergroup comprised of country music legends Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, gifted us with a treasure trove of timeless tunes. Among their most beloved tracks is the heartfelt ballad, “Good Hearted Woman”. Released in 1985, this song has stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages.
“Good Hearted Woman” is a poignant tale of love, loss, and regret. The lyrics, penned by the legendary songwriter Waylon Jennings, paint a vivid picture of a man haunted by his past mistakes. He yearns for the return of a good-hearted woman who has left him behind. The song’s simplicity and honesty are what make it so powerful. Jennings’ soulful vocals, combined with the harmonies of his fellow Highwaymen, create a rich and emotive soundscape.
Musically, “Good Hearted Woman” is a quintessential country ballad. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming and pedal steel guitar create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The song’s tempo is slow and deliberate, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the lyrics. The arrangement is sparse, focusing on the vocals and the core instrumentation, which highlights the raw emotion of the song.
“Good Hearted Woman” has become a staple of country music radio and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loss, and longing. It is a reminder that even the toughest of hearts can be broken, and that it is never too late to seek forgiveness.
The Highwaymen’s “Good Hearted Woman” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move listeners. Its heartfelt lyrics, combined with its beautiful melody, make it a must-listen for fans of country music and anyone who appreciates great songwriting.
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Lyrics
A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way
The good life he promised, ain’t what she’s living today
Willie
But she never complains of the bad times or bad things he’s done, Lord
She just talks about the good times they’ve had
And all the good times to come
She’s a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves him in spite of his ways she don’t understand
Through teardrops and laughter, they’ll pass through this world hand in hand
A good-hearted woman, lovin’ her good-timin’ man
He likes the bright lights, the night life and good-timin’ friends
And when the party’s all over, she’ll welcome him back home again
Lord knows she don’t understand him, she does the best that she can
And this a good-hearted woman, loving her good-timin’ man
She’s a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves him in spite of his ways that she don’t understand
Through teardrops and laughter they’ll pass through this world hand in hand
A good-hearted woman, lovin’ her good-timin’ man
She is a good-hearted woman, in love with a good-timin’ man
She loves me in spite of my wicked lost ways, she don’t understand